I once heard it said that "Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do but it won't get you anywhere!"When I look at this rocking chair I feel peaceful, which is the opposite of worried! Isnt' peace what we long for? Paul wrote about finding peace in the midst of our worries in Philippians 4:6-7. He said, "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)
I want God to guard my heart and mind with peace as I tuck myself into Jesus and live in Him. The NIV translation says, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I wander if God's peace could transcend my need to understand! Sometimes that is my biggest problem, I can accept what God is doing if He can just help me understand why He's doing it that way.
So, how do we get God's peace that is far more wonderful than our minds can understand? Paul gives us a prescription for the antidote of worry, and a thankful heart is one of the main ingredients...
- Stop worrying
- Start praying - tell God what I need.
- Thank God for what He's already done
How many times do I take the wrong prescription? Here are the ingredients for worry: Do not be calm about anything; instead complain about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn’t listen. And the anxiety that consumes your thoughts will devour your peace as you fold your arms and turn away from God!
We need a new drug! Pauls reminds us that God offers just what we need to experience peace. So, today when our concerns consume us, let's choose to stop and empty our hearts of our worries, talk to God about what we need and THANK HIM for His faithfulness and provision. I try to do this in my journal by listing all the times God has been there for me or my family. It's amazing the peace that comes when I choose to do these things and put my trust in Him.
“You will keep in perfect peace, (her) whoPublish Postse mind is steadfast, because (she) trusts in you.” Isaiah 24:4
4 Comments:
SOOOO glad I read this today! I needed it. Thanks for posting.
Yeah Renee! I'm so glad I found your blog. You are a truly approachable woman - I'm drinking my coffee with you this morning! Loved your P31 devo yesterday and today - have you read "The Soul at Rest"? Your writing convicted me to be willing to take my small talents (i.e. motherhood) and invest them wisely not taking anything for granted. Thanks Renee!
Reread this posting on worry today and it just struck such a cord with me. My small group is studying Philippians and this ties in perfectly. It also met a personal need today to remind that God is with me no matter what happens. I so look forward to seeing you at our church retreat in November
Beverlea
Please count me in. I love your blog!
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